Kentucky Paralegal Masters Degree & Graduate Program

A Masters Degree in Paralegal Studies allows for greater paralegal responsibilities. A paralegal performs legal and clerical work under the supervision of an attorney. Also known as “legal assistants”, their job responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of law firm for which they work. It is possible to become a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree, or even an associate’s degree and a certificate in paralegal studies. However, the highest-level training is the master’s in paralegal studies.

Successful applicants to paralegal graduate schools should possess the following qualities and skills:

Clear communication, both written and spoken

Comfortable with use of computer software

Skilled at research

Excellent at maintaining relationships with clients

Paralegal Studies Master's Programs and Curriculum

Paralegal masters studies students take a combination of core courses and electives. Core courses vary between schools, but may include:

Law office management, Legal research, Professional development.

Students choose electives based on their area of specialty. These areas include:

Litigation Criminal law

Bankruptcy

Intellectual property

Corporate law

Real estate

Family law

Many paralegal studies master’s programs require an independent project to graduate. These programs generally take one to two years to complete.

Most paralegal studies graduate schools require applicants to hold a minimum GPA from their undergraduate institution. In addition, they require GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The American Bar Association is the accrediting body for paralegal programs. Some paralegals choose to pursue certification in addition to their master’s degree.

Paralegal Career Paths

Those with master’s degrees in paralegal studies generally become paralegals in law firms and government agencies. Job responsibilities vary – in smaller firms; paralegals often have a wider range of duties, while in larger firms paralegals often work on only one phase of a case, according to their area of specialization. Typical responsibilities might include:

Interviewing clients and other relevant parties to obtain the facts of a case

Conducting research

Drafting correspondence

Clerical work, such as creating and maintaining databases

Paralegal Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, the median salary of a paralegal with a minimum education level of associate’s degree was $46,990. Salary data for paralegals holding master’s degrees is unavailable. Larger firms sometimes have opportunities for paralegals to assume a managerial role. Experience, skill level and level of training all factor in to the decision to promote. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth for paralegals is expected to grow by 17% between 2012 and 2022, which is about as fast as the national average.

Morehead State University

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